Stereo Jack's Records

Fantastic record store. They have many original issues and the staff is really knowledgeable, friendly and inspired. Thank Goodness there are stores like this where you can touch records and discuss music. Love it!

Great selection of lps in an organized environment. I picked up some good Boston local stuff here. Will be going back when I'm back in town.

Very good selection of CDs - mostly Jazz and Blues with some Rock/Pop and a smattering of Classical. Keen prices too. Well worth a visit.

Was able to unload some of my vinyl there. Great store and Great Owner Chris A.

Huge selection, nice variety and very reasonable prices!

Cool store, good records and friendly staff!

Fun vinyl record shop with chatty staff. Nice offering of CDs too with good turnover. I’ve found some Roots Reggae and Rocksteady gems here.

Great little record store with some hidden gems. Amazing selection of cheaper vinyls (the $1 bins are always fun to rifle through), as well as jazz and vocal albums. Staff is friendly and helpful. They do have a $10, minimum for credit cards, so make sure to bring some cash.

I've been a client of Elements massage for several months now. After just a couple of visits, I signed up for their monthly membership plan to take advantage of the discount. I have received massages from several of their therapists, with many repeats visits. I've always been very pleased with the results.

There isn't a lot of record stores I visit these days. There's a huge reason for that. Most that are around Boston don't have a lot of good stock, the prices are appalling and the condition really makes you look twice, three times. Stereo Jacks in Somerville is now a smaller, more organized record store (once in Porter Sq) that sells mainly used vinyl and CDs. They don't put out stock that's chewed up or in bad condition. They even still use the "dollar bin" which can yield a surprise or two. Rock from '50s to '70s, Soul, Jazz especially; the Hard Bop era and even big bands. While they do stock recent reissues, they're there for the buying since people still look for them. I've never walked out of there without at least 8-40 records at a time. I shop like an obsessive at Marshall's while I'm there. In the past when the stock was insane and much less expensive (part of the hobby AND inflation), I would go back home shocked at what I found. I still go into some shops and find the curious take, but Stereo Jacks has been my go-to, and I don't live in Boston. I even got to tell the owner how important his store was to me just for Jazz alone. Culture begins and ends with music. Let Stereo Jacks take you down that road.

Jack's has a robust collection of vinyl titles, roughly 90% used with jackets in very good to excellent condition, and 10% relatively recent releases. Predominantly rock and jazz albums, but all genres represented. The four used albums I purchased were excellent; not a scratch could be heard. Some CDs, but the selection was not as comprehensive or interesting as the vinyl selection.

A small shop that is packed with quality. I found some jazz classics you cannot find anywhere. Really tough to find vinyl. The jazz collection overall was fantastic. Great variety and quality. I could not buy everything I wanted. There is also a great mix of rock, country, and more. There is only a small selection of rap, r&b, and soul. Note that almost every map app has their old location in it. They moved and you want to check before hitting the road.

Don't try selling your precious old vintage vinyl to these people. They will rip you off!

Stereo Jack's has been sold and the business will be moving to Ball Square in Somerville after August 15, 2022. Name will remain but Jack is retiring.

A Cambridge institution! I love Stereo Jack's for their selection of records in various genres and their prices are very reasonable. They also have music postcards, CDs, wooden boxes you can stack and store records in and a few other knick knacks. The workers are knowledgeable about records and different genres of music. I love the window display too! Very kitschy and fun (the Elvis in the window is my favorite)! Stop by. You'll dig it too.

I've gone to Stereo Jack's occasionally over the decades. As I'm not big into jazz, it hasn't been my #1 destination, but I've always found a handful of cool things in good condition at reasonable prices. They recently changed owners and locations, so I went to check out their new digs. I'm pleased to say the new owner has kept the flavor of the store the same, while adding some more stuff that appeals to a rock/blues/folk sort like me. The new arrivals section was larger than I remember (7 or 8 bins), and it had a lot of good stuff. I would have rated the previous version of the store about 3 stars; I'm rating this one 4 stars and looking forward to going back now that they're gently going in a direction I like. If you're not from around here, I recommend stopping by Lyndell's Bakery one block away while you're in the neighborhood.

Jack's landlord on Mass Ave finally managed to price him out (after 40 some years), Jack has retired, and the shop is now at 736 Broadway, Somerville (Ball Square) under the new owner Chris (Stereo Chris?). The new store seems more open and airy than the old narrow-corridor Mass Ave one, and Chris (a local musician) seems to be bringing in more rock et cetera. That is not to say that the jazz selection is going away; fear not, it's as it always was -large. Lots of vinyl (LPs for us old guys) here, and they still have the $4 and $2 CD bargain bins.

I always find such gems here! I've been twice and leave with a good chunk of cds. Come here for the cds .... All the used/not new ones are usually $2 so it's a great deal! Always recommend.

Honestly felt nothing but uncomfortable in that store I just came in to sell some records and the owner couldn't have been any ruder was just asking simple questions about how much my trades in and why some weren't taken and he couldn't have given me any more of an attitude for just simply asking as a customer I can say I'll never return there...I'd rather not give any stars for this racist asshole

I've been trading with Jack since 1977 (3 years before he opened his own store) and probably half of my record collection has been purchased from him. Rare stuff, odd stuff, classic stuff, almost all in Near Mint condition, and at reasonable prices. Jack himself is a walking encyclopedia of American (and European) music. But be forewarned: He does not suffer fools graciously. Engage brain before opening mouth and don't go in there with an attitude that communicates your posterior must be kissed because you are a customer. Don't pretend you're an authority on anything, either. "I know everything there is to know about the Beatles." Customers who were there are still quoting that wonderful line. And know how to laugh at yourself. Being called a KD (Knuckle dragger) is part of the fun - even if you ARE a KD. Jack's selection is great and the good stuff moves fast. He also has tons of $1 vinyl and CDs. I never leave the store without finding 20-50 items to take home to my stereo. Questions? Answers? Discussion? Repartee? Jack's great to talk to or be educated by, just don't ask stupid questions and if you support the current occupant of the white house, don't bother.

I've been in here twice and both times I saw some great stuff. The second time I ended up buying a Queen record (which I happen to be listening to right now). Staff have been kind and helpful. I bought my dad a gift certificate there (they have certificates, not gift cards) and they were very nice about him using it, etc. They have some pretty great stuff in there, I have to say. The prices are pretty good, and I definitely recommend coming here!

Stereo Jack's is a mediocre used music store. As far as vinyl is concerned the selection isn't huge, but what they do have in stock is generally in good shape. They have a lot of Classical records for 1 dollar, but the condition varies. The owner/older rotund gentleman who works the counter could use some attitude adjustments. I haven't been into vinyl for as long as he I'm sure, but when I simply asked him to play a record on the turntable to ensure that a mark on it was not audible he treated me as if I had never used a turntable before. He continued on to give me a lecture about how it was just a scuff etc and would not be audible (while manhandling the record and putting his greasy fingers all over the grooves) when he should have kindly said "sure" and played it. As it turns out it was audible, and as that record is a relatively quiet pressing I'm glad I had him play it before I purchased it. The prices on most records are reasonable, but having to listen to the owner talk condescendingly to potential customers is pretty weak, and probably enough to keep me from making frequent visits to this store.

Awesome store with decent vinyls at reasonable prices. This was the perfect place for me as I just got a player and was still exploring vinyls. They have a ton of lower cost records for even a dollar each, but also higher price points if that's what you're looking for. High frequency of new shipments and purchases means that you'll likely see something new pretty often. Decor isn't great, but hey, you're there for the records, not the view.

GREAT local spot to find every random record on vinyl you ever dreamed of and every cassette you wished you'd never thrown away. And some cds. This is a hot spot for vinyl. Organized by category, you'll be amazed by the extensive selections in rock, folk, jazz, soul, country, and even classical. Find everything from Aretha to Bob Dylan to Herbie Hancock to the Cure to Joni Mitchell to the soundtrack to Rocky Horror. Prices range from $1 (there's a $1 bargain bin, too) to up around $25 for the really rare/ mint stuff. On average, most vinyl runs about $3-5. Plus, not to be forgotten, there is a whole wall of 45s. You can also find cds, used cassettes, a few scattered dvds and vhs tapes, and some used music-related books. And they even sell furniture, like shelves suitable for your cd and record collection. How convenient! Digging through a classic selection of old records is always a great way to spend an afternoon.

The person working here was a straight up rude, belligerent, clueless blank. He couldn't figure out his credit card machine, couldnt figure out the cash register, blamed the customer for not knowing how to use his credit card machine because he never bothered to learn it, and then was a condescending antagonist blank. I'll take that $50.00 elsewhere, you blank.

Great little store with very fair prices. Not a massive jazz section but enough to keep you busy. Virtually no service or support. Enjoy.

I fondly remember being unemployed after the dot-com bust and bouncing between Jack's and Record Hog (RIP) run by the lovely Ina. Jack's dollar bin was in proper form at that time, and just about anything unknown made its way into the regular record section, which still had a nice selection at reasonable prices. Pretty much half my jazz collection from those days came from Jack's, all at decent prices, everything from Actuel to (Denny) Zeitlin. I remember finding out about whole swaths of jazz I knew nothing about through this store, such as RCI label canadian jazz. Flash-forward a few years... ebay was discovered, vinyl supplies dried up, and Jack's lives on when so many stores have folded. Murray's comment about "crusty old guy" is right-on. For extra points, catch the boys on a day when they're ranting about the stones versus the beatles, or other such bands from days when they could "really play." Jack himself is perpetually jaded, but it's okay, he won't bite... unless you try to use a credit card for under a $10 total. I made a bet with a friend that when we visited they would be discussing 1) crusty old rock and 2) what to eat for lunch. I walked out of there two for two. Jack's is still worth a trip by, and I never walk out empty-handed, even if I reminisce about the old bins. Good times!

Great small shop. Nice selection today in the new arrivals area. If I lived in Boston I would certainly check this place often.

Found some hidden gems. There were some good deals to be had. $1 bins was great. No hip/hop section was a let down. Good for Rock/Jazz & Blues. Major disappointment was that they had a bunch of records out that were no yet priced and not for sale. More importantly the 2-3 employees on staff were not able to give a price..

I always make out like a bandit at this record shop. My music tastes are eclectic to say the least but I've found some great buys like the Psychedelic Furs first album, Django Rheinhart, the Best of Traffic and a ton more 60s, 80s, jazz, movie soundtracks and classical on vinal. Usually the records are in the $1 range and go to like $5. The guys that work there are indeed crusty and always gab about the various musical stages of Bob Dylan or John Lee Hooker. They know way too much about music but are funny to listen to because their snobbery is entertaining and nerdy. I am reminded of Steve Buscemi and his coterie of music geeks in the movie 'Ghost World' everytime I go in there.

I dig this place when there are less than 4 other people in the shop (kind of packed, but what good record shop isn't?). Fair prices and helpful staff. Latest excitements: Fat Boys LP's! Jesse Johnson LP's in the $1 section!

This is by far the best record store in Boston in my opinion. The main focus is obviously jazz, but they have plenty of other genres to dig through as well, including a great world section. The reasons I think it's top notch: 1. The product - everything they buy from collectors is in incredible shape. I've seen them purchase from people who brought stuff in before and they are only interested in albums that are in very very good or near mint condition. As a customer, I love this and wish other record stores followed this practice, rather than buying junk and forcing me to take every LP out of the sleeve to check the condition. The staff - talk about knowledgable. They all know everything there is to know about jazz and will tell you stories of meeting a bassist on random album of a guy you've never heard of at a jazz club that doesn't exist anymore. Ask them about an artist and they'll dig through the jazz bins while you search new arrivals. Just really good, smart people. The prices - don't even bother checking online. Stereo Jack's beats any price on discogs or eBay easily The space - brightly lit, meticulously organized, great wall of selections above the new arrivals I go in excited and leave happy every time. Take the walk from Harvard, it's more than worth it

I've probably bought 1000 records here. You get a very FAIR price but don't come here thinking you're going to get a steal - they know exactly what their stock is worth and they don't overcharge. Especially not on the jazz. Just about everything is VG+ or better. There are a lot of cut corners and promo stamps FWIW. And, yeah, the staff has local flavor. Could you ask for more? (Thanks guys! Keep up the good work!)

This store has changed my life. Ages ago I went in out of boredom. I found a few compilation CD's of old Country. It was the perfect batch of samplers that allowed me to discover a bunch of new and rare artists that ended up influencing me for years to come. I have a pretty extensive blues collection, and I swear much of it was bought here. Stuff I couldn't find anywhere else, and stuff that was recommended by one of their knowledgeable employees. Now,years later and more into soul, I find myself coming in and oohing and ahhing over more CD's I can't find at other shops. Their selection is superb for the genre's they sell, it's no Newbury Comic that has a bunch of stuff and music. These guys are old school with old school music. Records and CD's, the good taste and the smarts to go along with it ll! Highly recommended if you like Jazz, Blues, Soul, Country, etc.

Despite the fact that I only get back in to Stereo Jacks's once every few years now, Jack continues to greet me as if I still come in every week. Some things never change and I'm glad for it. Stereo Jack's mickey fickey rules! Vinyl hounds, it's time to start diggin'. I feel like a dachshund in a badger burrow. Woof woof.

Stereo Jack's is exactly what I want from a record store - a great selection, reasonable prices, and a superhuman $1 section!!! Plus, the staff is friendly!!! When I die and go to heaven, Stereo Jack's will be the only record store there!

In a town where record stores either close or move to smaller locations, it's nice to see Stereo Jack's still holding up well between Harvard and Porter Squares. It's really the only music store that is relatively close to Somerville and Arlington, so for us music nuts in those areas this is as accessible as it gets. It's a great place to stop if only because it could be the first stop on a nice music shopping trip on the way to Harvard Square's bountiful music store 'scene'. As has been mentioned before, Stereo Jack's primarily deals in jazz and therefore should be one's main stop if one is interested in that genre. There are a few rows of jazz vinyl that look comprehensive in artist and album, but since I'm not much of a vinyl shopper these days I am unsure if the prices are competitive. What *is* competitive are the prices of the used cds, which range from $4-7 for all sorts of popular artists in every genre. If you need to fill in some jazz back catalog, or pick up a few pivotal albums, they've got quite a few available. The rock section mostly consists of the popular classic bands instead of the modern stuff, but the prices, like are said, are pretty good. My favorite spot, the dollar bin (or in this case the $2 bin), has a really nice selection. About half of the selection is jazz-related, so if don't know much jazz you really won't know much about the dollar bin artists. The other half has proven to be relatively decent in that one has a chance to pick up some quiet classics (i.e. Ride's "Nowhere") or a few fun records from the modern or retro age (i.e. Eddy Grant!). Unlike other dollar bins that tend to be full of true filler, Stereo Jack's usually has a few good ones on every visit I make. Aside from the music, the atmosphere of the place is what truly makes Stereo Jack's a good visit. The people who run the register, including the owner at times, are always very helpful and kind. When browsing these people are likely to engage in conversations with patrons who seem to be regulars in the store, so such discussions give off a neighborhood feel. I've also been in there a couple of times when a full-fledged jazz discussion is going on between a few people, which put me in a state of awe and humility simultaneously. I, uh, quietly stuck to my dollar bin sorting but made sure to hold up a few obscure jazz artists at random and nod approvingly. Good store and certainly worth a stop on a Boston trip for music, especially if shopping for jazz and some comfortable privacy.

Need a copy of the Star Wars soundtrack? On vinyl? Yeah, this is the place for you to find it. They've got a huge collection of vinyl, which is predominantly jazz and blues, with a lot of other stuff in between mixed in. I like Stereo Jack's, for their great collection on vinyl, and they are always super friendly. We mainly go there for their shelves, which they will kindly remind you are for cd's or record's or dvd's, despite what you put on them. They are nice folks, and I am all for supporting local business where I can. Jesse is more hardcore about them, and after going there more and more, I can see why.

The staff is really friendly and helpful, but I don't love Stereo Jack's because it's all old stuff-- you won't find the newest Decemberists' session on sale here. If 78s are your thing, though, you may want to drop it. I also appreciate that it doesn't smell like musty junk, since they do sell old stuff. And, $10 credit card minimum.

I've spent a couple of weeks in Boston over the past two summers and have visited all of the local area record stores. This may come as a surprise since it's not the biggest store, nor does it have the best ambiance (hipsters beware), but Stereo Jack's is the best of the bunch. Here's why: (1) the dollar section turns over somewhat frequently and there's always interesting stuff in it, (2) the prices on their used and new arrivals used section are reasonable, (3) it's well-organized, and (4) the guys that work here are not pretentious and seem like they've been at this for a long time in terms of their knowledge of music.

One of the better surviving record stores in the Boston area. The records are usually in really good shape and the prices are pretty reasonable. You're not going to find much in the way of new music, post-1990 rock and pop, hip hop or electronic. But if there's a certain 80s rock LP that you're looking to add to your collection and you don't want to pay a lot, chances are Stereo Jack's has a copy of that Cars or Billy Idol record you're looking for. They'll also have that Billy Ocean 7" that you've been itching to hear again. It seems like a big part of their clientele is older guys buying jazz, blues and early rock music. I don't buy a ton of jazz, but when I do I prefer it on vinyl, and again Stereo Jack's jazz selection is well-stocked with rarities and dollar records alike.

Great prices on rock records as this place's true passion is Jazz and Blues. Nice people as well. When they find real good stuff it ususally is very competively priced as well.

The best record store. Don't go one time and draw your only conclusion based on some silly first impression. Go, and go, and go again so you can see the stock change over time and (if you don't remember the great record stores of the 1900s) you can get a sense for the cultural necessity that is a great record store.

Despite the musty, moldy atmosphere, Stereo Jack's offers a great shopping experience. They get estate sales sometimes and the records are in general very reasonably priced. I buy vinyl to listen to, not to collect, so I have no problem with 1$ - 5$ records with covers that are in crappy shape. I would give it 5 stars, but the used CD selection is just OK. I think they have the best prices around Cambridge. Plus, the 60-ish year old dude who hangs out/works here can give you advice and information ranging from Mose Allison to which Clash record is better, to the lyrical content of the Dead Milkmen, to Kraftwerk's love of robots.

Stereo Jack's is the best place in Boston to find used jazz LPs. It's not an enormous selection, but there's a good level of turnover and I've seen LPs here that rarely pop up elsewhere. Prices are reasonable, with plenty of sub-$5 LPs to choose from. If you're interested in jazz or blues, view this as a five star review. Their rock vinyl is less impressive. The vast majority of it is worn classic rock vinyl--Stones, Beatles, Dylan, Zeppelin--with reasonable prices. If you're after those bands, it'll be a good trip. If you're after something more esoteric, you may have to visit a few times. Occasionally I'll find something good, like a Cocteau Twins LP, Boys Life's Departures and Landfalls LP, or a Colin Newman LP, but more often I'll flip through everything and make a quick exit. Remember to bring cash. The $10 minimum on credit cards coupled with their low prices often leaves me scrounging for filler buys.

As a Jazz and blues Vinyl fan, i was fairly impressed with this store which seemed to cater to these genre's. This store gets a 4 star just for that, as I rarely find a store that has a descent selection of jazz and blues. The records that were stocked when I visited were nice, hard to find titles generally in good condition and prices were right. However, the stock was pretty small. A large amount of the store was dedicated to $1 records, which is great for those interested in such things, and although i do enjoy a $1 record, way too much top shelf space was dedicated to them. On another note, the store features another rarity, blues 78's! If you enjoy 78's, this is your shop! The decor of the shop was in serious need of a face-lift, just put something up on the walls you know, something to liven it up a bit. Some of the walls were decorated in old vinyl covers, however most of what was on the walls was faded so they were barely recognizable, and must have been put up many many years ago. All in All, I enjoyed my visit, and appreciate their stock. Walked away with a 1st press of Cecil Taylor's "Unit Structures"

I went to stereo jack's recently and while it's not the most convenient location of the various other record stores in the immediate cambridge are and also while i was looking for some good jazz finds I was blown away by the 8-10 stacks of 1$ classical records!! Amazing i bought 4 gems which i dug pretty hard to find for under 10 bucks they are all in great condition!!!! Super psyched about that and the staff is definitely nice! I would happily recommend this store to any music enthusiast and in accordance with some of the other reviews this place is a heavy jazz and blues, a lot of early rag time style jazz and some bebop as well as all different eras of blues so enjoy! a note on credit cards there is a minimum charge of 10$

I gave this place 4 stars because of the one guy that was rude to me when I asked him a question about classical music. Im a new vinyl fanatic and I barely know stuff about it songs/artist etc. I walked in there whilr on break and I was browsing for some franz schuberts records, I went home with 2 records which I enjow now. I like this place a lot but that one guy next to the turntable made me give this place the 4 stars, the one in the cash register was nice though.

I have bought many many albums here. I always liked it, as the prices were reasonable, although the selection was never that tremendous. Last time I was there, I commented to the owner "nice choice" when they were playing some old obscure Yardbirds. He looked at me like I was a leper and said nothing. OK. Then I took the three records I wanted to buy to the register. $3. Not much to put on a Visa, I know, but money is money. He said he couldn't accept it - this is a crock. Any store that takes credit cards has to accept purchase of any amount. It is not at their discretion. This is fact. He told me there was a cash machine across the street. I'm a man of principle, so I refused and walked out, never to return again. How do you run a business and NOT accept a paying customer's money?? I worked in a Brookline mom-n-pop hardware store for a summer ten years ago, and the owner would happily accept credit card payment for any amount. And he always used the line "We're happy to take your money" in a nice way, whenever the customer sheepishly said all they had was a credit card. Then the customer was happy, a relationship is established, and the customer will return to shop again. This may seem like an extreme reaction on my part, but I'm sick of this $10 minimum crap on shopowner's parts. This is the 21st century, people use plastic, get with the program.

Very very excited to come here after reading the reviews. So disappointed. Had pockets lined with bills expecting 1st or 2nd pressings of rare, collectible jazz. Found more shrink wrap and 1980s digital reissues than a mall store. Def not for a serious collector. Owner barely knew what the address labels on a first press of Art Blakey's 'Moanin' should read, and thats a very popular jazz record. Sad!

excellent store; vinyl and cds, plus a decent selection of furniture for storing all of the vinyl and cds you will undoubtedly end up with after visitng. plus a nice collection of 78s... over the past 10 years i've found countless number of records there i would simply never have stumbled across otherwise; life-changing records, always priced at about half of what i end up seeing them offered for elsewhere. i make a point of stopping in about once a month and, as of yet, i've never left empty-handed... if you're looking for free jazz, international, contemporary classical, library music, blues, soul, 60s rock, private folk, sound art, and or other specialty genres; this place has you covered. spend an hour in there before they close, then head across the street to cambridge common for dinner; always a nice night!

Stereo Jack's is still open and still stocks a little of everything with the best prices in town.

EXTREMELY RUDE CUSTOMER SERVICE. Owner yaps the whole time to the cashier and, after browsing for a while, when I inquired if he has any Johnnie Ray records I received a "GUESS NOT" reply. I know of other customers who have told me of similar treatment. Save your money and visit DeJa Vu Records in Natick. Owner is more than happy to pull out tons of records for you to browse thru. She even gave me a couple of free LPs for bringing a few friends with me. Trust me, go to DeJa Vu.

Solid record store with good prices. Most vinyl in acceptable condition and a wide selection considering it's size. I'll be back for sure!

I've done both buying and selling here and it's always been great. You get a fair price if you sell stuff (hint: your copy of the white album with ripped cardboard and missing sleeves isn't worth as much as you think it is). Other people complain about the staff but I've never had a problem. Maybe they get cranky if you ask stupid questions or try to haggle, I dunno. Never tried it. It's true, they have a minimum for credit cards. I used to be opposed to stores doing this, since it technically violates the merchant agreements. But now that all the banks have proven themselves to be colossal asshats, I really don't have a problem with it, especially when it's something low like $10.

Stereo Jack's has a really nice selection of classic avant-jazz on vinyl. They are heavy on Albert Ayler, Andrew Hill, and Ornette Coleman. Very cool, and reasonably priced.

Pretty cool store. The reissues are mixed in with the used if that's your thing. Not mine